Well,.....would you look how time flies and how long it's been since this "Midwest Fashionista" posted anything on the blog.  I look around me in a "new" mid-west region and realize.....it's been far too long since the voice of the "mid-west" fashion review was heard.:)  Now posting from South Dakota, where they swear they are from the mid-west(reality check...it's north), and have a whole new set of rules that MUST be addressed.:)  I know everyone has been waiting with baited breathe.......so here it is....a new year, a different place, a new city, but still totally a FASHIONISTA!!:)
     Today's topic of conversation is(drum roll, please)...Boots, and yes that is with a T and is regarding the items that you wear on your feet.:)  But, I digress....  Boots now play a more important role in my life, as I live further North in the U.S. and now will be wearing them more often, and not just the heeled version to look cute during the winter season.  First of all, let me state that as a shoe lover, alright obsessed, I have always loved some form of boots.  But, I have always had an opinion on boots whether living up north with the need, or in the "warmer" mid-west, with not such an immediate need.:)
     So, here's the deal with boots....it's kind of a touchy subject.  I always prefer heeled boots, because I'm short, but in weather with lots of ice and snow, it's not always a safe or functional way to go.  I know, when is "fashion" really functional, but I do live in South Dakota now, so I have to think a little bit functional or lose body parts to frost bite.  There really are some very cute and functional flat soled boots out there, but please do your homework and look closely before placing them on your feet.  It is totally possible to be functional and fashionable at the same time...please try web sites like gojane.com and forever21.com., for cheaper versions, but of course name brand boots like Banana Republic, Gap, and even higher end brands like Hilfiger and Nordtrom's have cute boots, too.
     Now for the high heeled boots...I know I'll be stepping on some toes with this comment, no pun intended, but the height of the heel and the length of the boot should be a consideration before wearing in public.  High heeled boots of any kind will always add definition and length to the wearer's leg, but if you aren't comfortable looking like you stepped off a street corner, please don't combine an over the knee, high heeled boot, with let's see......ANYTHING.  We all remember(if we're young and hip enough) the movie "Pretty Woman"?.....in which the said character of Julia Roberts is a yes, say it together..... a hooker.  Now, let's just leave it at that.........unless you're getting paid, hooker, modeling or otherwise, please leave the over the knee, high heeled boots to the professionals.:)  Enough said????
     Now, that we've addressed that "touchy" subject, we will discuss a new topic that falls under the line of boots....booties, and yes once again that is with a T!:)  A very popular style of boots right now is the shorter version of the boots called the "booties", in which the ie at the end of the word boot refers to the shortness or smaller version of the boot.(Greek or Latin roots, learn and recognize, please).  Also, remember that booties are not for the faint of heart or the thick of legs, unless the before mentioned leg is covered in jeggings, leggings, or skinny jeans.  If you are wearing booties with short skirts, shorts, and/or tights please make sure the booties you choose are in correct proportion to your ankle and calve.  Which nicely put, is if you're thick of both, please wear your booties with the before listed leg coverings.:)  Harsh, yes, and I apologize, but are we are moving fashion forward.......yes, thank you.:)
     I haven't addressed cowboy boots...so little time, so large a subject.....okay, if you're a cowboy wear them, if not, you do the math.:)
     So, now that I've offended half of the mid-west, wait would that make it the quarter-west, anyhow ...read and adhere, it's always your choice, but know there is always someone in the mid-west taking notes....so let's "kick it" in gear fellow mid-westerner's, we can be just as fashionable as the outer regions of the U.S.!!!  Get your "booty" in gear and get your booties and boots on..........:)
As always, stay true, B you and you'll always B IN fashion!

Leggings are NOT pants! Please and Thank You!

     So, as I sit here sipping my Moscato......we come to the discussion of leggings.  Now leggings are a wonderful thing if they are worn appropriately.  Those of you who live in states where it's temperate or even warm most of the year.......probably don't even know what we'll be talking about, but it's always good to be aware so you won't make a fauxpax when visiting family in cooler climates!:)
    First, let's review.........leggings ARE NOT pants unless you wear diapers and are under the age of 3 yrs old(girls only, please)  Leggings are essentially tights w/o feet, please treat them as such.  They go under skirts, dresses, and the rare occasion of a long dressy shirt.  The point is, if there is a possibility of your posterior hanging out in one of these outfits.........please wear leggings, or tights.  Victoria's Secret should stay a secret, are you getting my drift?  
     Now you might ask if it's possible to wear these items w/o leggings, and the answer is perhaps.  It is completely dependent once again, on if your aware of VS and why it's remained a secret.  There are ways to walk, cross your legs, and just generally be aware that your secret could get out at any given time.  For the good of the public, please exercise these rules.  If you don't know how to do any of these w/o the secret being known....feel free to enroll in a session of "How to keep Victoria's Secret, a secret", offered by yours truly every season.
    Now that we've crossed that "totally wrong" bridge, let's make sure we understand the difference between leggings and work out clothes!!  Leggings tend to be a little thinner, material wise, and do NOT stretch when you stretch.  Those of you enrolled in exercise anonymous, are looking for some items that involve "spandex".  These, pants, shorts, and sports bras are made to play sports in and work out in.......thus moving with you and giving the person standing behind you in the "Zumba" class, not a reason to run to the nearest bathroom to vomit.
   To sum up........leggings go UNDER other articles of clothing that actually cover your bum.  Leggings are NOT designed for working out, please stick with items that are in the "sportswear" section of any store you might visit.  This will make your visit to the gym a happier one for all involved!  Now, I know this topic of discussion might seem...I don't know a little harsh, but trust me you don't want to be the topic of conversation when my "three year old says in her big voice "oohh no, too big for those pants!"  It's just embarrassing to you, the viewer, and of course the little girl who is now scarred for life.
Know and follow the rules and a Fashionista you will B!
Laura

The Little Black Dress-Myth or Reality?

     Ah, the discussion of the "Little Black Dress", and how every woman should keep one in their closet.  Is it a myth or is it good fashion sense?  It's Good fashion sense.  First, let's go over what qualifies as a little black dress, and why every woman needs one.  
     A little black dress leads to the illusion that the dress must be little.  Not so, and please don't. There are two types of little black dresses you should have in your closet. 1)A cocktail dress and 2)A full length dress(but not a formal).  A cocktail dress by design should length- wise, hit your knee or above(not too short because then we're waffling toward street walker).  A little black dress can be full length sleeves for a winter occasion, or strappy and even sleeveless for a summer event.  A full length dress is a bit more formal, but in itself does not have to be a "formal" dress.  Please remember when wearing an ankle length or floor length dress, that it should be streamlined to almost perfection.  We want to see "good" curves, and draw attention away from "bad" curves.  Small details like sequins, bows or brooches are appropriate for either length, but don't get carried away......it can get tacky really quick.
     Finally, the material that these dresses are made out of dictate the casualness or more formal type of little black dress that they are.  Light weight knit(not to clingy)sleeveless cocktail is perfect for an evening work picnic on top of a roof in downtown K.C.  Comfortable, stylish, and as always accessorize accordingly!  A heavier full length black dress with sleeves is for winter events only and needs very little accessories.  If it lighter in weight and is sleeveless or strappy, w/small detailing it would be perfect for a formal night wedding outside under the stars.  Once again accessories and shoes are important, but that just leads to another topic completely.
     To sum up.....tight, short, sleeveless "little black dress" is not for real women.  And if we're being honest is not really flattering on anyone unless your perfectly toned in every way!  Long black dress's should  flow and have small details that make what could be a boring black dress, stand out among the crowd.i.e.sequin, cut-outs, bows(maybe).
     Bottom line.......have two "little black dresses" that fit your body type correctly and follow the rules listed above and you should be fine!  If there are questions on shoe choices for these type of dress's please question and comment!
Know the rules and a Fashionista you will B!

The many pitfall's of wearing the color white...B safe!

     Our first topic of conversation is when to wear the hue of white.  Notice I said hue not color, because technically white is not a color.  As a rule, white is a very delicate color.  The use of the word "delicate" alone should tell you all you need to know about wearing white, but for those who don't get it, I will continue on.  Usually, the use of white should be contained to wedding gowns and lingerie...period.  But, our culture has made it a "color" that is popular year round, so we will address it accordingly.
     First of all wearing the color white should be limited to the upper half of your body. i.e.shirts, blouses, blazers, hats, scarves, coats, etc. It is a very ethereal color so it should be worn in a very "delicate" manner. Secondly, it is most advantageous to yourself, if when you wear white you are not the exact color of your clothing.  This is really a good general rule for the wearing of any color. i.e.if you're a smurf, don't wear blue.  Thirdly, since we all know that we WILL wear white no matter if  it's on the top half or bottom half our body, please use common sense.  If you are literally squeezing yourself into a bottom piece of white clothing(after memorial day), please do yourself and everyone else a favor....don't wear it.  White is nobodies friend when it is worn too tightly!  This leads us to our last point of wearing the color white....shoes.  Once again let me remind you, white on the bottom half of your body should only be worn between memorial day and labor day, this includes shoes.  Since shoes just happen to be my specialty(i have way more than miss goody), I can speak w/some authority on the subject.  There are very few attractive white shoes(not including tennis shoes)out there.  White shoes should be limited to1)little girls for Easter and 2)sandals, wedges, and on occasion a really cute peep-toe heel.  Men should NEVER wear any type of white shoe unless it is a tennis shoe that's accompanied by other bold detail colors!
That concludes today's discussion of white, if you were offended.........it's probably because you're wearing white inappropriately.:)  Now discuss among yourselves and give me some feedback......it's always welcomed.:)
Know and follow the rules and a true Fashionista you will B!
Laura B

"How do you know you're a Fashionista?"

     This is the first blog, hopefully in the wake of many more to come, about fashion.  And in particular fashion in the Midwest.  I am tired of people assuming that since I live in Missouri(the midwest) that therefore 1)I come from a small rural town 2)I am ignorant to anything outside of my small town and 3)My sense of fashion includes plaid shirts and overalls(of course during the summer it would be cut off jeans, and a tank top that is notoriously known for not fitting me)

     I'm sending out a call to all the real fashionista's who live in the "Midwest", and who actually have a sense of fashion and do care what they look like when they go out in public.  Do not confuse a "fashionista" with a snob or fashion critic.  A Fashionista simply loves all things fashion, but isn't consumed by them.:)  A Fashionista wants to be "in the know" of what is at the hieght of fashion(whether they can afford it or not), and therefore trys  to emulate what they see within the realms of propriety for any given occasion and budgetary boundries.  A Fashionista's interests include clothing, shoes, make-up, hair styles, and handbags.(if I've left out anything, please feel free to add!)  Being a fashionista does not require that you have a low IQ, say "oh my gosh" in every sentence, or whose favorite reading material begins with Peo and ends with ple!  Fashionista's can be brilliant in their own rights and certainly in the realms of what is fashionable for them.

If you're tired of being at the end of an assumption that where you're from dictates what you look like, how you think, and of course what you wear....then this is the blog for you!  After all, we know what happens when you assume.....you make an ass out of u and me!:)

     Give a shout out, and let me know you're following me with every update!  It's going to be a fun ride and we all might learn a little bit about life along the way.

Fashionista's.......unite!